Association Memberships

Shoden - Beginning Teachings

Printed with
permission from Professor Dennis Estes who attributes the source of these principles to his teachers.

Yawara - Techniques of Gentleness

Yawara can be translated many different ways, but its primary translation is "soft." Yawara was also an older name for Jujitsu. Our Yawara list consists of twenty techniques using principles of pry, leverage, fulcrum; and more esoteric applications such as circular motion, blending into aggression, etc.. This list has its roots in a style of Aikijitsu known as Daito Ryu Aikijitsu. Today it stands alone as a list because Okazaki took these original types of techniques and organized then into his own particular progression and corresponding meaning. It is said that Jujitsu begins and ends with Yawara. Well, this is very true, and for a lot of reasons. One of the more obvious is that it teaches you anatomical knowledge which is an absolute must in Jujitsu. Yawara also proves that knowledge or technique will win out against strength. Knowing how to apply a lock and also to release that hold again is an absolute must in Jujitsu. Yawara, as it is given to you, is just a fundamental list. The variations thereof are somewhere in the thousands. Aikido is also a system of completely composed of Yawara. If you can master the list of Yawara, you've mastered half of DanZan Ryu Jujitsu. The other half consists of Nage No Kata; and in combining the two lists, you actually have a complete system of Jujitsu. As for "Ki", this list bears out the theory that internal strength is superior and that proper application of natural motion will release the energy that exists inside of you. Therefore, we can say that Yawara develops Ki.

Nage Te - Throwing Techniques

THROW-WITH-FORM
or Throwing Forms--meaning forms of doing throws in theirproper sequence and effect. This is the way
Master Okazaki introduced and taught basic throwing techniques. It is important
to remember Kata is the formal way to announce this list. You may call the arts
wazas or techniques. Okazaki taught them in a formal manner to orient you
properly. As you gain control, you begin to understand the principles and
actions behind these arts. Also, Okazaki's system is an internal system in that
he wished you to investigate your mind, feelings, and intent as you do these
arts. In this way we discipline our body and mind. Therefore, we can say this
list introduces the important concepts of self-control. Study these thoughts
and feelings each and every time you do Jujitsu wazas.

Shime Te - Constriction Techniques

Okazaki designed the boards so you went from pins to chokes to arm
bars (Oku). In these arts you must learn to use your whole body. Your legs and
arms, hips back, even toes must be used cohesively. You must apply your
strength in the form of relaxation which means you must not concentrate it.
Rather you must distribute it according to the action taken against you, or the
attack you're mounting. Apply your strength "rhythmically." This is the
attitude learned in this board. This means being able to move continuously to
prevent the opponent from getting loose. You must move freely so you will be
able to use your motion, balance, leverage to your greatest advantage. Some
pins require tensing. You must tense in your lower abdomen for power. If you
feel you are not in a strong position in your attempt for a hold or when in
one, remain steadfast and calm as a new opening will show. If your opponent had
you in a pin, attack his weak points and use ALL parts of your body: elbows,
hips, toes, fingers, etc.. Conserve energy! Don't be wasteful in your
movements. Be patient and trust your technical knowledge. Don't force openings.
This is contrary to the principle of "ju." But also know when to
strike! Again, it is most important to be able to shift from technique to
technique. Only when you can do this will you be able to understand Shime and
some of the subtler moves of Jujitsu.